The Perfect Par

The Perfect Par, hosted by junior golfer Carter Stroup, is a golf podcast focused on providing serious golfers with valuable and actionable information from the best minds in the game.

Methodist University Commit - Lucas Herring | Season 5 Episode 2

In this episode, I am joined for the third time by Lucas Herring. Lucas recently committed to the best-ranked DIII program in the country, Methodist University. We talk about how he chose this program and what he did to get there.

02-06
32:06

Season 5 Intro

Welcome to season five of The Perfect Par podcast! It is incredible to think that I have been doing this podcast for five years. Thank you to everyone who listens. This year, I will be focusing more on golfing stories from junior and collegiate players. I hope these stories, balanced with the knowledge-dense episodes from the past years, will help unlock our best golf yet.

01-30
00:54

Improve Your Practice Rounds with Scott Fawcett | Season 4 Episode 30

In this episode, I finish my conversation with Scott Fawcett. We discuss how to optimize your practice rounds and the future of DECADE Golf. Scott’s Book Recommendation: The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance by Josh Waitzkin (https://www.amazon.com/Art-Learning-Journey-Optimal-Performance/dp/0743277465) About DECADE Golf: DECADE Golf has solved golf strategy by combining shot distribution patterns and PGA Tour scoring statistics. When Scott combined those two data sets he created a simple way to optimize target selection. DECADE quickly generates the optimal target that will produce the lowest score based on distance, hazards, and hole location. Learn More Here! Where to find Scott: Website: https://web.birdiefire.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decade_golf/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/scottfawcett

09-12
15:02

Biomechanics Misconceptions with Sasho MacKenzie | Season 4 Episode 29

In this episode, I conclude my conversation with biomechanics expert Sasho MacKenzie. We discuss common swing misconceptions and the illusion of consistency. Sasho’s Published Studies: Read on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=MacKenzie+SJ&cauthor_id=22900397 About The Stack System: The Stack System provides dynamic programming directly from golf's leading biomechanist. Speed training secrets previously reserved for Tour players, now available to you. Learn More Here! Where to find Sasho: Website: https://www.thestacksystem.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestacksystem/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/SashoMacKenzie

08-29
11:32

How Strokes Gained Works with Scott Fawcett | Season 4 Episode 28

In this episode, I continue my conversation with Scott Fawcett, creator of DECADE Golf. We discuss stats and strokes gained including: What is strokes gained? How should you use it? Is it better than traditional stats? Scott’s Book Recommendation: The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance by Josh Waitzkin (https://www.amazon.com/Art-Learning-Journey-Optimal-Performance/dp/0743277465) About DECADE Golf: DECADE Golf has solved golf strategy by combining shot distribution patterns and PGA Tour scoring statistics. When Scott combined those two data sets he created a simple way to optimize target selection. DECADE quickly generates the optimal target that will produce the lowest score based on distance, hazards, and hole location. Learn More Here! Where to find Scott: Website: https://web.birdiefire.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decade_golf/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/scottfawcett

08-15
11:20

Golf Biomechanics with Sasho MacKenzie | Season 4 Episode 27

In this episode, I continue my conversation with biomechanics expert Sasho MacKenzie. We discuss ways to optimize your swing for maximum speed including: How to increase speed through swing mechanics Swing mechanic speed limiters Sasho’s Published Studies: Read on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=MacKenzie+SJ&cauthor_id=22900397 About The Stack System: The Stack System provides dynamic programming directly from golf's leading biomechanist. Speed training secrets previously reserved for Tour players, now available to you. Learn More Here! Where to find Sasho: Website: https://www.thestacksystem.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestacksystem/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/SashoMacKenzie

08-01
14:43

LIV Golf Thoughts with Scott Fawcett | Season 4 Episode 26

In this episode, I am once again joined by Scott Fawcett, creator of DECADE Golf. We discuss LIV Golf including: Is LIV Golf good for the game? Will it survive? The problems and benefits LIV has created Scott’s Book Recommendation: The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance by Josh Waitzkin (https://www.amazon.com/Art-Learning-Journey-Optimal-Performance/dp/0743277465) About DECADE Golf: DECADE Golf has solved golf strategy by combining shot distribution patterns and PGA Tour scoring statistics. When Scott combined those two data sets he created a simple way to optimize target selection. DECADE quickly generates the optimal target that will produce the lowest score based on distance, hazards, and hole location. Learn More Here! Where to find Scott: Website: https://web.birdiefire.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decade_golf/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/scottfawcett

07-18
13:34

Optimizing Speed Training with Sasho MacKenzie | Season 4 Episode 25

In this episode, I continue my conversation with speed expert Sasho MacKenzie. We discuss ways to optimize speed training including: How to work past plateaus How to see results faster Setting reasonable goals Sasho’s Published Studies: Read on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=MacKenzie+SJ&cauthor_id=22900397 About The Stack System: The Stack System provides dynamic programming directly from golf's leading biomechanist. Speed training secrets previously reserved for Tour players, now available to you. Learn More Here! Where to find Sasho: Website: https://www.thestacksystem.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestacksystem/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/SashoMacKenzie

07-04
16:50

The Problem of Distance with Scott Fawcett | Season 4 Episode 24

In this episode, I am once again joined by Scott Fawcett, creator of DECADE Golf. We discuss the “problem” with distance including: Is distance actually a problem? The solutions The problem with bifurcation Scott’s Book Recommendation: The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance by Josh Waitzkin (https://www.amazon.com/Art-Learning-Journey-Optimal-Performance/dp/0743277465) About DECADE Golf: DECADE Golf has solved golf strategy by combining shot distribution patterns and PGA Tour scoring statistics. When Scott combined those two data sets he created a simple way to optimize target selection. DECADE quickly generates the optimal target that will produce the lowest score based on distance, hazards, and hole location. Learn More Here! Where to find Scott: Website: https://web.birdiefire.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decade_golf/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/scottfawcett

06-20
19:32

The Science of Overspeed Training with Sasho MacKenzie | Season 4 Episode 23

In this episode, I am joined by biomechanics and speed expert, Sasho MacKenzie. Sasho received his Ph.D. in kinesiology from the University of Saskatchewan and is currently a professor at St. Francis Xavier University in Canada. Sasho is also the co-creator of the speed training system, The Stack. In this episode, we discuss overspeed training including: What it is How it works The Stack’s role Sasho’s Published Studies: Read on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=MacKenzie+SJ&cauthor_id=22900397 About The Stack System: The Stack System provides dynamic programming directly from golf's leading biomechanist. Speed training secrets previously reserved for Tour players, now available to you. Learn More Here! Where to find Sasho: Website: https://www.thestacksystem.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestacksystem/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/SashoMacKenzie

06-13
14:57

Shot Shaping with Scott Fawcett | Season 4 Episode 22

In this episode, I am joined by Scott Fawcett, creator of DECADE Golf. DECADE is a golf strategy system used by the best players in the world. In this episode, we discuss: Why a single shot shape is better Irons VS Driver Optimizing your shot pattern Scott’s Book Recommendation: The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance by Josh Waitzkin (https://www.amazon.com/Art-Learning-Journey-Optimal-Performance/dp/0743277465) About DECADE Golf: DECADE Golf has solved golf strategy by combining shot distribution patterns and PGA Tour scoring statistics. When Scott combined those two data sets he created a simple way to optimize target selection. DECADE quickly generates the optimal target that will produce the lowest score based on distance, hazards, and hole location. Learn More Here! Where to find Scott: Website: https://web.birdiefire.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decade_golf/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/scottfawcett

06-06
10:51

Injury Prevention with Ken MacDonald | Season 4 Episode 21

In this episode, I conclude my conversation with physical trainer Ken MacDonald. In this episode, we discuss the science behind injury prevention and ways you can avoid injury including: Common injuries for golfers Injury signs to watch for The importance of TPI Ken’s Book Recommendations: Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller (https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329) Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes by Shirley Sahrmann (https://www.amazon.com/Diagnosis-Treatment-Movement-Impairment-Syndromes/dp/0801672058) Advances in Functional Training: Training Techniques for Coaches, Personal Trainers and Athletes by Michael Boyle (https://www.amazon.com/Advances-Functional-Training-Techniques-Personal/dp/1931046018) Where to find Ken: Website: https://lifetimeperformancepbg.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennymac_lp/

05-30
13:14

Pre-round Routine with David MacKenzie | Season 4 Episode 20

In this episode, I conclude my conversation with mental game expert, David MacKenzie. David has been in the golf psychology industry for over ten years and has helped numerous players at the highest level. Rather than discuss the pre-shot routine, we discuss the pre-round routine and why the mental game is important for prospective collegiate golfers including: Pre-round routine Putting better mentally External Influences Mental Game for College David’s Book Recommendation: The Mindful Golfer: How to Lower Your Handicap While Raising Your Consciousness by Stephen Altschuler (https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Golfer-Handicap-Raising-Consciousness/dp/1632207230) David’s Book: Golf State of Mind: How to Develop The Mental Game of A Champion (https://www.amazon.com/Golf-State-Mind-Develop-Champion/dp/B0BLG2Q31F) David’s Ultimate Mental Game Training Program: 10 years of coaching and research into human performance has helped me create the best possible program to teach the mental game. In this program, you'll get 7 step-by-step modules designed to improve your mental game in a matter of weeks. Each module has an audio and text version and comes with weekly exercises to complete before moving to the next module. Learn More!  Where to find David: Website: https://golfstateofmind.com/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/golfstateofmind Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golfstateofmind/

05-23
20:49

Golf Recovery and Mobility with Ken MacDonald | Season 4 Episode 19

In this episode, I am joined by Ken MacDonald. Ken is a TPI Level 3 certified physical trainer and a top 50 golf fitness professional by Golf Digest. He and I discuss ways to aid recovery after golf and the importance of mobility including: How to recover after a difficult round of golf Are ice baths helpful Is mobility important The science of stretching Ken’s Book Recommendations: Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller (https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329) Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes by Shirley Sahrmann (https://www.amazon.com/Diagnosis-Treatment-Movement-Impairment-Syndromes/dp/0801672058) Advances in Functional Training: Training Techniques for Coaches, Personal Trainers and Athletes by Michael Boyle (https://www.amazon.com/Advances-Functional-Training-Techniques-Personal/dp/1931046018) Where to find Ken: Website: https://lifetimeperformancepbg.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennymac_lp/

05-16
17:44

Nutrition for Recovery with Benn Fineman | Season 4 Episode 18

In this episode, I conclude my conversation with nutrition expert Benn Fineman. We focus on how you can utilize nutrition to assist with sleep and recovery including: How food allows your body to recover How food can help you sleep better Why nutrition is important for recovery Benn’s Book Recommendations: The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss and Becoming Superhuman by Timothy Ferriss (https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Body-Uncommon-Incredible-Superhuman/dp/0307704610) The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success by Ed Mylett (https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363) Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover (https://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Unstoppable-Tim-S-Grover/dp/1476714207) Intuitive Roots Nutrition Coaching: Adequately fueling your body is crucial for supporting the demands of your lifestyle and maintaining a healthy body composition. Using simple and achievable criteria put forth by the Precision Nutrition principles we can coach you to set yourself up for long-term success. Learn what healthy eating looks like, and how to make educated choices for meal selection and content. Learn More! Where to find Benn: Website: https://intuitiveroots.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuitive_roots/

05-09
19:14

Pressure and Expectations with David MacKenzie | Season 4 Episode 17

In this episode, I am joined by mental game expert, David MacKenzie. David has been in the golf psychology industry for over ten years and has helped numerous players at the highest level. David and I discuss ways of dealing with pressure and expectations including: Expectation management The pressure to score Mental game practice David’s Book Recommendation: The Mindful Golfer: How to Lower Your Handicap While Raising Your Consciousness by Stephen Altschuler (https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Golfer-Handicap-Raising-Consciousness/dp/1632207230) David’s Book: Golf State of Mind: How to Develop The Mental Game of A Champion (https://www.amazon.com/Golf-State-Mind-Develop-Champion/dp/B0BLG2Q31F) David’s Ultimate Mental Game Training Program: 10 years of coaching and research into human performance has helped me create the best possible program to teach the mental game. In this program, you'll get 7 step-by-step modules designed to improve your mental game in a matter of weeks. Each module has an audio and text version and comes with weekly exercises to complete before moving to the next module. Learn More!  Where to find David: Website: https://golfstateofmind.com/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/golfstateofmind Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golfstateofmind/

05-02
15:13

Avoid Muscle Soreness with Ken MacDonald | Season 4 Episode 16

In episode 16, I am joined by Ken MacDonald. Ken is a TPI Level 3 certified physical trainer and a top 50 golf fitness professional by Golf Digest. Ken currently coaches many elite players in South Florida with his gym, Lifetime Performance. Ken and I discuss ways to aid recovery after gym training including: How golf fitness has changed How to avoid soreness Forced Off-season Recovery technology Ken’s Book Recommendations: Building a StoryBrand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller (https://www.amazon.com/Building-StoryBrand-Clarify-Message-Customers/dp/0718033329) Diagnosis and Treatment of Movement Impairment Syndromes by Shirley Sahrmann (https://www.amazon.com/Diagnosis-Treatment-Movement-Impairment-Syndromes/dp/0801672058) Advances in Functional Training: Training Techniques for Coaches, Personal Trainers and Athletes by Michael Boyle (https://www.amazon.com/Advances-Functional-Training-Techniques-Personal/dp/1931046018) Where to find Ken: Website: https://lifetimeperformancepbg.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kennymac_lp/

04-25
16:36

Balanced Training with Jeff Pelizzaro | Season 4 Episode 15

In this episode, I am joined by the founder of 18strong and host of the 18Strong podcast, Jeff Pelizzaro. Jeff is a top 50 golf fitness professional by Golf Digest, TPI level 2, and licensed physical therapist. Jeff and I discuss balancing gym training with golf practice including: How to continue to train in tournament season How to optimize the results from your workouts How to recover after your workouts Jeff’s app and how it can help you This is the fifth episode of five with Jeff, if you want to view the full interview, you can do so at my website here: https://theperfectpar.com/episodes/ Jeff’s Book Recommendations: Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor (https://www.amazon.com/Breath-New-Science-Lost-Art/dp/0735213615) The Match: The Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever by Mark Frost (https://www.amazon.com/Match-Game-Golf-Changed-Forever/dp/1401309615) The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy (https://www.amazon.com/Compound-Effect-Darren-Hardy/dp/159315724X) Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear (https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299) 18 Strong Podcast: Weekly episodes containing proven, practical advice, great stories, and strategies to inspire you to reach your golf and fitness goals. Learn More! 18 Strong App: Easy-to-follow, golf-specific training programs that help regular golfers get strong, fit, AND play their best permanently. Learn More!  The 40 Day Forge: https://18strong.com/theforge/

04-18
18:14

Build Muscle with Nutrition with Benn Fineman | Season 4 Episode 14

In this episode, I continue my conversation with nutrition expert Benn Fineman. We move away from golf-specific nutrition and focus more on optimizing your gym performance. We discuss: How to structure your diet for muscle growth When to fuel your body around a workout How to reduce soreness after a workout with nutrition Benn’s Book Recommendations: The 4-Hour Body: An Uncommon Guide to Rapid Fat-Loss and Becoming Superhuman by Timothy Ferriss (https://www.amazon.com/4-Hour-Body-Uncommon-Incredible-Superhuman/dp/0307704610) The Power of One More: The Ultimate Guide to Happiness and Success by Ed Mylett (https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363) Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable by Tim S. Grover (https://www.amazon.com/Relentless-Unstoppable-Tim-S-Grover/dp/1476714207) Intuitive Roots Nutrition Coaching: Adequately fueling your body is crucial for supporting the demands of your lifestyle and maintaining a healthy body composition. Using simple and achievable criteria put forth by the Precision Nutrition principles we can coach you to set yourself up for long-term success. Learn what healthy eating looks like, and how to make educated choices for meal selection and content. Learn More! Where to find Benn: Website: https://intuitiveroots.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intuitive_roots/

04-11
10:39

Measuring the Mental Game with David MacKenzie | Season 4 Episode 13

In this episode, I am joined by mental game expert, David MacKenzie. David has been in the golf psychology industry for over ten years and has helped numerous players at the highest level. David and I discuss what is required to improve your mental game along with ways of measuring it including: What others will think Dealing with pressure as you improve Personality type and the mental game Quantifying the mental game David’s Book Recommendation: The Mindful Golfer: How to Lower Your Handicap While Raising Your Consciousness by Stephen Altschuler (https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Golfer-Handicap-Raising-Consciousness/dp/1632207230) David’s Book: Golf State of Mind: How to Develop The Mental Game of A Champion (https://www.amazon.com/Golf-State-Mind-Develop-Champion/dp/B0BLG2Q31F) David’s Ultimate Mental Game Training Program: 10 years of coaching and research into human performance has helped me create the best possible program to teach the mental game. In this program, you'll get 7 step-by-step modules designed to improve your mental game in a matter of weeks. Each module has an audio and text version and comes with weekly exercises to complete before moving to the next module. Learn More!  Where to find David: Website: https://golfstateofmind.com/ Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/golfstateofmind Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golfstateofmind/

04-04
15:37

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